Animal Assisted Intervention International is now Animal Assisted Services International (AASI).
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Member Forum: Did You Say P.L.E.A.S.E.?

Event: Did You Say P.L.E.A.S.E.? What to Do When Your Animal Says No

Location: Online only

Date: 5 November 2026

Time: 5 PM Central European Time (CET) | 11 AM Eastern Standard Time (USA) 

Description: 

The pet and working animal industries are focusing more on animal welfare, wellbeing, and related topics like agency. Research is showing positive implications that giving animals more choices can lead to improved welfare, but little is talked about in practical terms about what happens when an animal “says no” or even “maybe”.
 
This webinar will discuss a simple approach developed called P.L.E.A.S.E. to help animal guardians/partners navigate these sometimes tough/unexpected moments. P.L.E.A.S.E. stands for Pause, Lower, Ease, Allow, Support, and Evaluate. In this session, six elements will be explored from both a human example and a dog example. P.L.E.A.S.E. is not only a kind manner but also a communication tool for training toolboxes and better human-animal relationships.

Meet the Speaker

Jen Rogers, BS, MEd, has more than 30 years of experience in animal training, service dog development, and animal-assisted services. She is the Founding Director of Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS), South Carolina’s only program accredited by both Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and Animal Assisted Services International (AASI). Her work has included developing programs for veterans with PTSD, at-risk youth, incarcerated individuals, children with disabilities, and professionals partnering with facility dogs. Jen previously served on the ADI North American Board and is a founding board member of AASI, contributing to international standards with an emphasis on animal welfare and well-being. She currently serves as an ADI liaison supporting collaborative work with the International Guide Dog Federation on working-dog welfare and ethics. Jen holds a BS in Biology and an MEd in Neuroscience and Trauma Response. Her background also includes marine mammal training and education, animal-assisted crisis response, and equine-assisted services.